St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes pinpointed the home defeat to Hearts a month ago as the catalyst for the recent run of form on the road. Since losing 2-0 to the Jambos on November 13, the Perth side have taken seven Clydesdale Bank Premier League points from nine away from McDiarmid Park although they had to rely on Liam Craig's late strike to give them victory at New St Mirren Park.

"I thought the turning point was the game against Hearts at home when we felt disappointed not to come away with anything," McInnes said.

"We have improved in the games since then against Aberdeen, Hibs and St Mirren.

"We tried to get three clean sheets in a row but we have to be pleased with the results.

"We have strived for consistency all season.

"Before the St Mirren game we were two points better off than at the same point last year and everyone raved about us then, and how we were a breath of fresh air to the SPL.

"But we worked our way into the SPL last season and we got better as the season went on.

"I hope it is the same this time around.

"We can only take one game at a time and try to build on previous results but if we put in performances like we did in the second half at St Mirren, we will give ourselves more opportunities to win games."